Hi guys. These questions might have been asked elsewhere before but it's time for some clearification for me now. Here goes anyways:

1. If you go to flightschool in Europe (Sweden) and get your CPL and ATPL theory and everything else you need to be a commercial airline pilot in Europe, is it then possible to fly for an US airline in USA? I've heard something about this JAR66 or whatever that they have here in europe and that there would be a different system in the US. So, what goes?

2. Is it possible to do the reverse, going to a US flightschool and then fly in Europe with that certificate? If not, i asume it's possible for a european citizen to get his hands on a green card and move to the US and go to school there and then be hired by a US airline (obvious answer to this one i know but i really need to get everything straightened out).

3.What kind of DEMANDS (not what they suggest you to have or anything. i mean demands) does US flight schools have on your education? I guess math is important at least?

4. Last but not least: What kind of figures are we looking at when we talk about the cost of a airline pilot education in the US? And also, other maybe cheaper alternatives than Scandinavian Aviation Academy here in europe? (SAA is $58.000 or so i think btw)

I am in the commercial aviation program here at the University of North Dakota. Here at UND...we take a lot of aviation classes...and also general education classes. These classes include Math, Physics, Public Speaking, English Comp., etc.

They tell us that you can expect to spend around $65,000 for your degree here, but that isn't set. You could spend more, or less depending on all that you take. Hope that helps!

I'm going for Aeronautical Engineering at the U of M. Then get my liscenses. I have talked to pilots, and they said that is an EXCELLENT idea! If the airlines lay you off, you can go somewhere else in the meantime!

1. If you did get European ratings and convert them to US licenses you could get hired to fly in the USA providing you got the coveted 'green card'.

2. Don't know. Seems possible, but I have never heard of anyone who has done it.

3. US flight schools are exactly that- flight schools. There are no educational prerequisites, no math classes. They teach nothing but flying. Your education is not their concern. If you are talking about getting your degree AND your licenses via an aviation university, this is something different.

4. There are several Flight Schools/Aviation Academys in the US whose sole business it is to make you a pilot. Depending on where you go, the cost for your Commercial/Multi/Instrument will vary from $30,000-$60,000 US. Some schools have agreements with regional airlines to get their students interviews upon completion of their program. Mind you- these interviews are are all with regional airlines. There is no such thing as a training program with a direct entry into the major airlines in the USA. These 'fast track' programs train a pilot from zero hours and offers a chance to be placed as a pilot with about 500 hours TT. This type of pilot is only considered at a regional, as regional minimums are usually 1,000 TT, but an exception is made for program pilots. You can find out more about fast track programs by visiting: Pan Am Academy.com, The Airline Training Academy, Airline Transport Professionals Inc. & Mesa Airlines Pilot Development.

There are lots of US flight schools that train foreign students and offer student visas & housing as well. These programs run about $20-30K US, but is not 'airline specialized training' and offers no chance at regional airline employemnt- just your licenses. You need to find a way to build your time to airline mins after that.

As someone else has stated, I would recommend getting a four year degree in another field. I am currently a second year mechanical engineering student at UCLA. Sure, the classes are hard and it would have been "easier" to get an aviation degree. However, one must plan for rainy days. Just as an aircraft has back-up systems, have a back-up plan in life. I plan on attending a flight school AFTER I graduate from UCLA.

i'm finnishing my 3rd and last year in electronics this spring as a matter of fact so i have another education to fall back on if things are looking bad in the aviation industry at the time i get my pilot education sorted out. if that's what you mean Modesto2?

I have 1 more question now though: Would it be recomended to get a Type rating for let's say the 737 (the 737 simply cuz it's so common) after i'm done with all my licenses and ratings? I think iv'e heard somewhere that there's airlines out there who demand that new hires should have a type rating on the A/C they might get to fly. true? Thanx for all the help guys!

The only reason the 737 type is so popular these days, is because you must have one to go to work for Southwest Airlines. In recent years SWA has become one of the most desired carriers to fly for, so the 737 type rating has become so popular for this reason.

Av8trxx:ok, but would it be worth the money and time to get yourself a 737 type rating while in process with your other licences and ratings to perhaps have a bigger chance to get hired with a airline like SWA? I asume most carriers who operate 737's or larger A/C require a solid amount of jet hours before even considering hiring someone?

In September, I am going to be starting flight program at Providence College and Seminary in Canada. Ive calculated it to cost me about $15,080(US). Plus I will have a degree in Bible. The course also gives me licenses for airframe and plant, so it is very good program. I should be able to get my commercial license and have 215 hrs by the time I graduate. Is the US and canada close enough that I could work for a US airline?
TGUMAN

Get some experience before you get the type. SWA requires 1000 turbine PIC before they will even interview you.

Right now, get the licences, get ANY job you can get(times are kind of tough now with the downturn) and build some time. Make as many friends as you can in the industry(without sucking up) and keep in contact with them. When one of them lands a job maybe they can help out. If you get a job first, help them.